Jose Mourinho leaves Man United after 2.5 years

LONDON

Manchester United says Jose Mourinho has left the Premier League club with immediate effect.

The decision was announced on Dec. 18, two days after a 3-1 loss to Liverpool left United 19 points off the top of the Premier League after 17 games.

"The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager," United said in a statement.

Mourinho lasted 2.5 years at United and won two titles, the English League Cup and the Europa League in his first season.

United are sixth in the table with 26 points from 17 matches.